Pubdate: Thu, 31 Oct 2013
Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL)
Copyright: 2013 Orlando Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.orlandosentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325
Note: Rarely prints out-of-state LTEs.
Author: Aaron Deslatte

LAWMAKERS CHALLENGE MARIJUANA BALLOT ISSUE

Republican leaders in the Florida Legislature served notice Wednesday 
that they intend to challenge a medical-marijuana ballot question 
before the state's Supreme Court.

House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, and Senate President 
Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, filed a notice with the Florida Supreme Court 
that they intend to challenge the wording of the constitutional 
question being bankrolled by Orlando trial lawyer John Morgan.

But the two lawmakers argue their opposition is not based on the 
merits of dispensing medical marijuana for sick patients - but 
because they think the ballot language is overly broad and could lead 
to an explosion of pot shops "on every street corner."

A similar argument is being made by Republican Attorney General Pam 
Bondi, who is expected to argue against the amendment at a Dec. 5 
hearing before the court. The court has the authority to block the 
question from the November 2014 ballot if it deems the language is 
misleading or covers more than one subject.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom